National Foster Care Month/Foster Parent Appreciation

FEATURED FAMILIES AND YOUTH:

Ivy Spohnholz grew up in a family where her parents fostered. Later, she and her husband Troy Bowler continued the tradition. Read her story here.

Rich Irwin kept putting off going to orientation, but he was glad he finaly got there because that is how he met his son. Check out the Irwin Family’s story here.

Barbara Turner has been a therapeutic foster parent for 5 years. What does she receive from doing foster care? Check out her story here.

Russell Pressley has been doing foster care a long time and has provided guardianship and adoption for many of the young men who have come through his home. He bursts with pride as he talks about one of his sons graduating from college. Read about Russell Pressley and his son Dillon here.

Put Together Starter Kits for kids who come into foster care with very little. Starter kits that have been donated across Alaska include simple things like a pillow case, stuffed animal, book or journal, hair brush or comb, or a toothbrush and tooth paste. The Resource Family Advisory Board (RFAB) is supporting this project. Contact them at akresourcefamilyboard@yahoo.com for more information. Starter Kit Suggestions

Links for More Information

Foster Kids First Foster Kids First is a coalition of Alaskans who have hands on experience in the foster care system, who believe in the good intentions and goals of the foster care system, but know that we can and should do better for our most vulnerable children. Connect, Advocate, and Celebrate are their key words. E-Mail: fosterkidsfirst@gmail.com

Facing Foster Care in Alaska Alaska advocacy group made up of youth and alumni working to improve the foster care system and make sure that the voice of youth is heard.

Beacon Hill Faith based organization offering a foster/adoptive resource center and a safe place for brith family visitation. Their newest program Safe Families for Children seeks to support families and children before the need for protective foster care arises.